Harakiri
(Bonus Tracks, Explicit)

Compared to its predecessor, the bombastically symphonic Imperfect Harmonies, Harakiri is a rather straightforward hard rock album, one stained with punk moxie (and self-righteousness). It's easily Tankian's most guitar-driven music since his System of a Down days. Then again, his vocals are as gnarled, theatrical and spazzoid as ever -- Les Claypool strung out on Red Bull, basically. When his dense lyricism is understandable it tends to revolve around Western civilization and how it's teetering on the brink of violent collapse (though whether Tankian is a peak oil buff is anybody's guess).